Series: The Prayer Jars, Book 1
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (Barbour)
A Brand-New Series from New York Times Best Selling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that gets bigger by the day?
Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them.
Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayers by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love?
What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that gets bigger by the day?
Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them.
Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayers by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love?
MY THOUGHTS
I love the title of Wanda E. Brunstetter's newest novel, The Hope Jar. It's the first book in a new series entitled The Prayer Jars. I dug into this with my love for Amish fiction and for a good story. I finished this one in mere hours, with a good story premise, great characters and a thought out message.
Trying to run from a life that just spirals down, Michelle took one lie too far, yet in the midst found the faith she so desperately needs. It's a story that has so much promise, and so much that I can love and relate on. Yet, there's something that just didn't sit well with me. It took me some time to figure it out, but I realized I prefer stories that brings me into the story, even as a bystander. In The Hope Jar, I felt that the story was told to me versus drawing me in. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and it was a good story. I would say it would've been perfect except for that aspect, plus what I felt was an abrupt ending. It just came, and with so much that there weren't any closure. Book 2 really couldn't come fast enough, since I really do want to find out.
In all, The Hope Jar has all the earmark of Amish Fiction - community, characters, faith and message. The style of storytelling is more of a personal preference, but even the lack of reader-story integration, it was a story I enjoyed and finished.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Make your own Prayer Jar!
Want to make your own prayer jar to pass along to future generations? CLICK HERE to download a printable template you can use to write your sentiments on. Simply cut out each strip of paper when you’re finished and put them in the jar of your choice.GIVEAWAY
To celebrate her tour, Wanda is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon Gift Card, jar-shaped notepad, and a copy of The Hope Jar (with an autographed book plate inside).
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
ENTER HERE
TOUR SCHEDULE
For more chances to win, be sure to check out the other stops on the Tour!
Click on the banner below to take you there!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Love wanda's books.
ReplyDeleteLovely review for The Hope Jar, Annie.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your review on "The Hope Jar" by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Love this author's books and can't wait for this new series to start. I'd love the opportunity to read it!
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
This is an interesting idea!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading Amish fiction and learning about the Amish way of life. Looking forward to reading "The Hope Jar".
ReplyDelete